You better catch Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires while you can at venues like Green Bar and Egan's. (Photo by David A. Smith / DSmithImages)

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- While the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, Bama Theatre and other venues in town occasionally bring in marquee acts, the Druid City still serves as a ground where you must catch up-and-comers before it's too late.

Not that you won't get other opportunities to see these musicians live in the future, Tuscaloosa venues let you see them in intimate, closer-knit settings that make the experience all the more special (and face-melting).